The Inner Gamer Podcast

The Inner Gamer
  • 4.9 (22)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The Inner Gamer is a video game podcast exploring the world of video games and the industry surrounding them. Built for the casual gamer, we dive into all the games to weed out the games that are worth your time.

  1. 447: Mixtape, Embark Studios and 500 Hours in Deadlock

    13H AGO

    447: Mixtape, Embark Studios and 500 Hours in Deadlock

    In this episode of The Inner Gamer, we pull back the curtain on the widening gap between stylistic hype and mechanical execution. We kick things off with a raw review of Mixtape, balancing its immaculate stop-motion aesthetic and killer soundtrack against a disappointing lack of player agency and core gameplay systems. We then shift our focus to the reality of live-service development sustainability through the lens of Embark Studios, discussing why their recent dev schedule slowdown is a necessary reality check for titles like The Finals and ARC Raiders. In the second half of the show, we tackle the macro-economics of the industry, tearing into the chaotic fallout of PlayStation’s aggressive live-service pivot. We connect the dots between executive misalignment, a $765 million Bungie write-down, the quiet commercial stagnation of Housemarque's Saros, and the emergency roadmap shifts reshaping Marathon. Finally, we head into the occult streets of the Interzone, bringing on a 500-hour veteran to deconstruct the exact mechanical hooks and high-level meta shifts that make Valve’s Deadlock such a dominant, rewarding competitive obsession. Show Notes: 1:04 - Housekeeping 2:12 - Is Mixtape a Masterpiece or Just a Beautiful Vibe? 35:23 - Why Embark is Changing the Rules for The Finals and ARC Raiders 53:40 - Playstation’s Live-Service Crisis: From Hero to Zero 1:26:41 - 500 Hours in Deadlock: The Anatomy of a Competitive Obsession 2:38:48 - Upcoming Video Game Releases Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    2h 43m
  2. 446: Pragmata, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Blast Rivals 2026

    MAY 5

    446: Pragmata, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Blast Rivals 2026

    Is it possible for a $70 blockbuster to feel like it was actually designed for people with jobs and families? This week, we review Capcom's Pragmata and discuss why its bite-sized mission structure and emotional "Dad Hook" make it a gold standard for time-value in 2026. Then, we dive into the surreal world of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. We talk about why this "digital ant farm" is the ultimate zero-stress management sim and how its new inclusivity updates have modernized a cult classic.  We also take a look at Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a game that was once a technical struggle but has found a second, silky-smooth life as a Switch 2 powerhouse that finally fills in the missing pieces of Zelda lore. Finally, we set the stage for the BLAST Rivals tournament at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Whether you’re a Counter-Strike veteran or a casual spectator, we break down why CS2 remains the tactical king of esports and what we’re looking for as the world’s best teams descend on Texas. Show Notes: 0:53 - Housekeeping 1:52 - Pragmata Review: A High-Budget Game That Respects Your Time 33:28 - Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Review – Nintendo’s Weirdest Game is Back 1:03:03 - The Imprisoning War Explained: Why Age of Imprisonment is Essential Zelda Lore 1:26:36 - Inside BLAST Rivals Fort Worth: The $1,000,000 Battle at Dickies Arena 1:57:53 - Upcoming Video Game Releases Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    2h 2m
  3. 445: John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, Slay the Spire 2 and Starfield

    APR 21

    445: John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, Slay the Spire 2 and Starfield

    Is a game only worth it if you can play it forever, or is "fun" enough? This week on The Inner Gamer, we’re diving into the blood-soaked, synth-wave world of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando to see if this vehicle-combat hybrid is the perfect "popcorn game" for your squad. We also head back to the Spire for an early look at Slay the Spire 2, discussing whether the controversial new balance patches are breaking the game or just making it better. Then, we revisit the stars. Three years after launch, Starfield has landed on PS5 with major updates that aim to turn a sterile galaxy into a lived-in home. We wrap things up with a heated roundtable on the "3-Hour Rule"—discussing why the gaming community needs to stop gatekeeping players who don't have 80 hours to spare. Whether you're a parent, a professional, or just someone with a massive backlog, this episode is about finding the games that actually deserve a spot on your hard drive. Show Notes: 0:58 - Housekeeping 2:55 - Toxic Commando Review: Pure, Unfiltered Co-op Joy 33:20 - Slay the Spire 2: Is the Sequel Already Better Than the Original? 1:01:40 - From Sterile to Soulful: How Starfield Found Its Heart (2026 Review) 1:33:25 - The 3-Hour Rule: When Is It OK to Quit a Game? 2:08:21 - Upcoming Video Game Releases Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    2h 13m
  4. 444: Crimson Desert, Marathon and The Crew Motorfest

    APR 7

    444: Crimson Desert, Marathon and The Crew Motorfest

    This week on The Inner Gamer, we dive into the "everything game" problem with our review of Crimson Desert. While it’s one of the most visually stunning open worlds ever made, does its overstuffed MMO-inspired DNA respect the time of a busy player, or is it just a beautiful collection of shallow systems? We also revisit Bungie’s Marathon a month after launch. The UI and art style are finally clicking for us, but with player counts stabilizing at a "niche" level and Sony’s $3.6 billion investment looming large, we ask: is this a slow-burn success or a corporate flop? In the second half, we highlight the incredible support behind The Crew Motorfest. With Year 3 adding NASCAR, RC cars, and a powerful Track Forge tool, Ubisoft has built a massive motorsports playground that still somehow flies under the radar. Finally, we discuss the "Overwatch Relaunch." By dropping the "2," shadow-dropping 5 new heroes (including Jetpack Cat), and overhauling the UI, Blizzard is making a loud cultural apology. We look at whether this meta-shift is enough to win back a community that’s been looking toward Marvel Rivals. Show Notes: 1:08 - Housekeeping 1:57 - Crimson Desert Review: The Most Beautiful Mess of 2026? 1:00:49 - Marathon One Month Later: Finding Flow in the Chaos 1:45:36 - The Crew Motorfest in 2026: The Best Volume of Content in Racing 2:09:47 - Overwatch 2026: The Soft Relaunch That Actually Worked? 2:49:42 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    2h 56m
  5. 443: Pokémon Pokopia, DLSS 5 and SXSW 2026

    MAR 24

    443: Pokémon Pokopia, DLSS 5 and SXSW 2026

    This week on The Inner Gamer, we’re breaking down the big shifts in how we play, pay for, and perceive our games. First, we spend some time in Pokémon Pokopia, the life-sim spin-off that might actually be the best-crafted Pokémon experience in years. It’s Animal Crossing meets Minecraft, but with a surprisingly emotional "Ghibli-esque" heart. Then, we tackle the tech controversy of the year: Nvidia DLSS 5. Is "Neural Rendering" the next great leap for graphics, or is it just an "AI Slop" filter that erases the hard work of game artists? We dig into Jensen Huang’s defense and why the community is revolting. We also dive into the discovery of Sony’s dynamic pricing. From hidden tags in the API to personalized discounts based on your play habits, we discuss how the PlayStation Store is changing the "social contract" of game pricing and what it means for your wallet. Finally, we recap SXSW 2026. With the Austin Convention Center under construction, the festival went "decentralized." We talk about the new city-wide vibe, the "AI Apocaloptimism" panels, and the VR games with no dialogue trees. Show Notes: 00:45 - Housekeeping 1:42 - Pokémon Pokopia Review: The Best Pokémon Game in 30 Years? 48:58 - Why DLSS 5 is Gaming’s Most Polarizing Tech 1:17:07 - Sony’s Dynamic Pricing: Why Your Games May Cost More Than Your Friend’s 1:43:25 - Is SXSW Still Worth It? Our 2026 Austin Retrospective 2:29:45 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    2h 34m
  6. 442: Resident Evil Requiem, High on Life 2 and Marathon

    MAR 10

    442: Resident Evil Requiem, High on Life 2 and Marathon

    What happens when a legendary horror franchise finds its footing by looking backward? This week, we dive into Resident Evil Requiem, exploring why its tight, 10-hour dual-protagonist campaign is a masterclass in modern survival horror—and a perfect fit for gamers with a busy schedule. We also strap on our hover-skates for a review of High on Life 2, discussing how Squanch Games is navigating its new era and whether the controversial new traversal mechanics help or hinder the "Big Pharma" satire. Then, we shift gears to the extraction shooter wars. We share our hands-on impressions from the Marathon Server Slam, questioning if Bungie’s bold, neon-soaked UI is a work of art or a usability nightmare compared to the more grounded Arc Raiders. Finally, we trace the 8-year secret history of Valve’s Deadlock—from its "Neon Prime" sci-fi roots to its current status as a Steam chart-topper—and explain why this MOBA-shooter hybrid is poised to dominate the industry in 2026. Show Notes: 0:51 - Housekeeping 3:00 - Capcom Listened: Why RE Requiem is the Best Since RE4 23:25 - High on Life 2 Review: The Skateboard & The Slump 39:49 - The Uncertain Future of Bungie’s Marathon 1:17:49 - The Silent Rise of Deadlock: Why You’ll Be Playing This Soon 1:39:50 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    1h 45m
  7. 441: Mewgenics, Super Battle Golf and Roadside Research

    FEB 24

    441: Mewgenics, Super Battle Golf and Roadside Research

    In this episode, we’re breaking down a week that has fundamentally shifted the tectonic plates of the gaming industry. First, we tackle the "Dream Team" success of Edmund McMillen’s Mewgenics—a 14-year labor of love that proves deep, uncompromising design still wins. We also check in on the "Indie Renaissance" with the undercover alien chaos of Roadside Research and the friendship-ending, $8 orbital-laser mayhem of Super Battle Golf. Then, we shift to the "Big Two" and the strange decisions coming out of the corporate boardrooms. With Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond departing Xbox and Bluepoint Games officially shuttered by Sony, the leadership of console gaming is in a total state of flux. Why is PlayStation pivoting to a stylized Horizon live-service game that fans didn't ask for? Can the "New Guard" at Microsoft find a soul for Xbox? It’s a discussion about creative risks, corporate safe-bets, and why the most exciting things in gaming right now aren't coming from the names you expect. Show Notes: 0:46 - Housekeeping 2:51 - 14 Years to Success: Why Mewgenics Matters 42:41 - Super Battle Golf: 8 Players, 0 Rules, Pure Chaos. 1:04:54 - Paper Masks & Profit: Why Indie Sims are Saving Gaming 1:21:04 - PlayStation is Closing Studios. Phil Spencer is Out. Is Console Gaming Dying? 1:58:53 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    2h 8m
  8. 440: Highguard, LORT and Dead as Disco

    FEB 10

    440: Highguard, LORT and Dead as Disco

    In this episode of The Inner Gamer, we dive into the high-stakes world of modern hero shooters and the indie revolution of 2026. First, we tackle the polarizing launch of Highguard—discussing how its "PvP Raid" loop is surviving a rocky start through a massive Episode 2 update. Then, we flip the script to look at LORT, the breakout co-op roguelite from ex-Fortnite devs that proves small teams can build global hits on a budget. We also share our hype for the neon-drenched rhythm-brawler Dead as Disco before closing with the biggest news of the year: the total reboot of Overwatch. With the "2" officially dropped, 10 new heroes on the horizon (including Jetpack Cat!), and the "Reign of Talon" story arc, is Blizzard finally doing enough to fend off Marvel Rivals? Show Notes: 00:43 - Housekeeping 02:30 - The Most Polarizing Game of 2026: Our Highguard Deep Dive 40:48 - LORT Early Access: The Risk of Rain 2 Successor We’ve Been Waiting For? 59:03 - Dead as Disco: The Most Stylish Game of 2026? 1:17:05 - Did Marvel Rivals Save Overwatch? The 2026 Roadmap Explained. 1:41:21 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server.   Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop.   Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

    1h 50m
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4.9
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

The Inner Gamer is a video game podcast exploring the world of video games and the industry surrounding them. Built for the casual gamer, we dive into all the games to weed out the games that are worth your time.

Information

  • Creator
    The Inner Gamer
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    449
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Inner Gamer LLC, 2015-2023
  • Show Website
    The Inner Gamer Podcast

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